About this project

$137,232

pledged of $120,000 goal

3,468

backers

THANK YOU!!!

We can’t say thank you enough but we will try. THANK YOU SO MUCH for supporting our small company and our favorite fantasy game! While our Kickstarter campaign has come to a successful close, our adventure definitely has NOT ended here!

For the foreseeable future, we will be accepting donations for this new re-imagined Shadowgate via PayPal on our website. And YES, you can still get the awesome swag rewards we offered here! Note that all donations will go toward our stretch goals.

We will soon be sending out surveys to all our backers. These will ask questions regarding reward options and shipping info so keep an eye out for that.

While we will be releasing updates via Kickstarter, please sign up for the Zojoi Newsletter on our Home page.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. You can do both at Zojoi.com.
The Zojoi Team

We've listed a few of our Stretch Goals below! These goals will make the game even more awesome! Please consider our tiers and Add-Ons we are offering on our PayPal page. THANKS AGAIN FROM THE ENTIRE ZOJOI TEAM!!!

Add-Ons!

If you are interested in helping the campaign further, please consider these add-ons! Here's how you can add these to your pledge:

On this Kickstarter page, simply press the Manage Your Pledge button.

If you have not pledged yet, it will say Back this Project.

Increase your pledge in the Pledge Amount box by the total of the add-ons you want to add.

Do not change the tier you are currently pledged at (unless you also want to change it while on this screen.) You will then need to select the Continue to Next Step button and then Confirm the changes.

At the end of the Kickstarter campaign, you will receive a survey that will ask you to explain how you would like the add-on money to be used.

"The last thing that you remember is standing before the wizard Lakmir as he gestured wildly and chanted in an archaic tongue. Now you find yourself staring at an entryway which lies at the edge of a forest."

So begins the legend of Shadowgate, the grandaddy of all 'point and click' fantasy adventure games - a title that paved the way for a host of fantasy games to follow. In Shadowgate, you move from room to room through the labyrinths of the living castle, confronting the devilish denizens and confounding the fiendish traps laid by the Warlock Lord. Your quest is to fulfill an ancient prophecy by gathering various objects of power along with three ancient artifacts. Once assembled, these relics of old comprise the Staff of Ages - the only weapon that can stop the traitorous sorcerers' plan of unleashing the Behemoth, a titan of tremendous power, on an unsuspecting world.

We are proud to announce that we are creating a new Shadowgate! While we published the original game on over ten different platforms, this Shadowgate is NOT A PORT. It's a re-imagining that includes a lot of new features, exciting updates and ingenious additions that will add even more to the mythology and expand upon the original story of our fantasy classic. This is the Shadowgate that we always wanted to make and we are thrilled that we have the opportunity to capture the unique excitement of the original while expanding on the world and mythos like never before. And if you've never played a first-person adventure title, this is the one to start with!

Shadowgate will contain many cool features and options:

Rooms: More than 60 beautifully illustrated rooms featuring both new and familiar locations, offering a new play experience

Puzzles: Lots of new and updated puzzles that seamlessly expand on the original game

Animations: Environmental and object-specific animation bring each location to life

Platforms: Supports Windows, Mac, iOS and Android tablets

Zojoi is a small gaming company, tucked away in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of central Virginia. We started our careers in 1985 by designing and illustrating the groundbreaking game Shadowgate. We then went on to help design and create artwork for the other "MacVentures" (Déjà vu, Déjà vu II and Uninvited) on a multitude of platforms. Since that time, we’ve gone on to design, develop and/or executive produce everything from side-scrollers to massively multiplayer games including the SNES hit Road Runner’s Death Valley Rally, Aliens Online, Air Warrior III, Multiplayer Battletech: 3025, Sherlock Holmes and The Settlers of Catan.

Over the past ten years, we continued to work on the original adventures - porting each to the Game Boy Color, Palm and Pocket PC - as well as brainstorming and designing new titles. We started Zojoi because we love making first-person adventure games, we love playing them and we want to bring them to new and veteran adventure fans alike.

Bringing this new version of Shadowgate to fruition as an independent company is an expensive task - from reacquiring the license and redesigning the puzzles to developing awesome art/audio and programming the game. We really want to make Shadowgate happen so that's why we are turning to you.

We don't believe in asking for pledges simply based on an idea - we've gone beyond that and put a lot of work into the pre-production of Shadowgate. We're NOT ASKING FOR THE MOON but we are asking for your help to make this great game happen. Your support will ensure this new, re-imagined Shadowgate will be every bit as cool as we've shown in the example screenshots and concept animations. And if the pledges go beyond our target, we've got some great stretch goals in mind.

Also, we personally designed the rewards for helping fund the development with both Shadowgate and fantasy fans in mind (ones that we definitely want ourselves.)

And since we mentioned it… let's take a closer lookat the rewards!

This tier gives you the full Shadowgate game as a digital DRM-free download on either PC (Windows) or your Mac. The game features over 60 rooms of adventure and you'll get it before anyone else does.

Example screenshot - familiar room with new puzzles

You'll also get our favorite exclusive Shadowgate wallpapers, digitally illustrated just for the game. We'll make sure we give them to you in plenty of different sizes so you can enjoy them on all your devices.

A great tier for music and art lovers! First, you get an awesome soundtrack created for the game by composer Rich Douglas. In case you didn't catch his EPIC music in the opening of our project video, here's the expanded track for your listening pleasure. Just click on the player below and enjoy while you check out the rest of the rewards.

You'll also get a 60 page digital book entitled "The Art of Shadowgate" illustrated by our fantastic artist Chris Cold. The book will feature room, character and promotional art! We think you'll agree that Chris' illustrative style is a perfect fit for the world of Shadowgate.

You'll also receive a 2014 digital wallpaper calendar "The World of Shadowgate" in a good number of resolutions. This 14 month calendar (going back to November of 2013) will feature the wonderful world outside of the castle proper. (Note: each illustration without the calendar will be provided for your convenience as well.) We will also include a digital version of the cloth map (in many resolutions) showing a birds-eye view of the Kal Torlin - the home of Shadowgate.

We also want to say 'Thank You" to our Novice pledgers by giving you a shout out on our website. Your name will be prominently displayed on the 'Grand Hallway of Fame', ourbackers page on the Zojoi/Shadowgate site.

You'll also get all previous rewards.

The Acolyte Tier brings you two new rewards. The first is a series of exclusive commentary videos. These streaming and/or downloadable videos will walk you thru the game while the Zojoi team shares insights, notes and humorous stories from design to art to audio. It's a must have for players that like to know the inside stories behind the games' development.

The second is a digital hint comic/walk thru of the entire game done in illustrative format.

Example from the Shadowgate Classic Hint/Walk Thru Comic

You'll also get all previous rewards.

This tier allows you to quest on the GO. With so many gaming options, we've decided to bring the Shadowgate experience to iPad and Androidtablets as well. After we complete the game for Windows and Mac (which you get one of as well from the Initiate tier), we will offer tablet versions a few months later that contain the same great game features but utilizes a custom touch-screen UI.

And possibly the coolest thing on this tier, we'll immortalize you and put your name inside the game, touting you in the credits for believing in us and backing our project.

You'll also get all previous rewards.

Ah, the Adept tier... this is where you start to load up your inventory with physical stuff. First, we've got the Shadowgate Collectors Box that is perfect for displaying and is a must for those who love this epic fantasy game. We'll never produce this box again so be sure to grab one.

Of course, what good is a cool retro box without a large cloth map to go with it? This detailed map features the world of Shadowgate - showing places that we will surely be visiting in upcoming titles.

If you paid close attention to the video, you will have noticed a ridiculously cool poster in the background featuring our favorite castle, Lord Jair and the Behemoth. Yeah, we already made it and printed it ourselves to make sure that it's as impressive in person as it is on the screen. We'll gladly ship you one of these masterpieces right to your door - autographed by Chris Cold himself if you wish. You'll also get two additional posters - the Grim Reaper as well as the 25th Anniversary Edition NES remake (by Chris as well!)

You'll also get all previous rewards.

The Enchanter tier brings you something pretty unique - a Shadowgate card game set within our fantasy universe! The game, entitled "The Quests of Shadowgate", is being created by Coleman Charlton, designer of the Rolemaster game system and the Middle Earth Collectible Card Game. Coleman has been making games for over 30 years and is currently the product director at Mayfair games, the publisher of The Settlers of Catan. The Quests of Shadowgate features a 54 card deck where 2-4 players compete to complete quests and build the legendary Staff of Ages. Here are some of the cards...

We'll also include two exclusive backer cards: Lord Jair and the famed wizard Lakmir. These versions will only be created for this campaign so be sure to get yours today.

Plus you get all previous rewards.

This tier offers you a softcover book of The Art of Shadowgate that features 60 pages of finished room art, character designs and sketches from Chris. The Art of Shadowgate is a must-have for lovers of fantasy artwork.

This tier wouldn't be complete without the official Shadowgate Backer t-shirt. Made of pre-shrunk cotton, this white on black shirt features the Shadowgate logo on the front and your backer creds on the back.

Of course, you get all the previous rewards as well.

We have three great rewards in the Magician tier! First, get your own 18" Staff of Ages, redesigned for the game and sculpted by artisan Kenny Hudson (AKA Kurth). Made of resin and featuring a jasper stone, this small-scale replica of Shadowgate's ultimate weapon is ready to go.

Second, we'll ship you a limited edition CD version of the soundtrack. We'll never produce this reward again and composer Rich Douglas will even autograph it for you if you wish.

Lastly, you will receive the upgraded hardcover version of The Art of Shadowgate complete with a lovely dust jacket that will look stylish on your coffee table when your friends drop by for a rousing game of The Quests of Shadowgate.

Plus you get all previous rewards.

If you are a fan of fantasy or science fiction (or anything else for that matter), you will love this tier. Chris Cold will create a huge digital illustration for you and you alone! Just let him know what original painting you want done and he'll work with you to turn your imagination into an exclusive masterpiece. You can see Chris' other works HERE.

You also get all previous rewards.

What's better than an 18" Staff of Ages? How about a huge 72" Staff of Ages? That's right, we will ship you the iconic weapon so you can lord it over your friends. This full-scale replica is made of resin and features a large blue calcite stone. Sculptor Kenny Hudson has done it again and taken his craft to a whole new level - one specifically for Shadowgate fans.

You will also get all previous rewards.

The Wizard tier is perfectly named as you become one of the legendary Circle of Twelve wizards. We'll work with you to name the wizard and create a back-story and skill set for this character. Your creation will be featured in the library and other locations within the magical keep. You'll not only be in this Shadowgate game but all future Shadowgate titles that feature the Circle of Twelve as well.

Plus all previous rewards.

The highest tier we offer... We'll fly you out to beautiful Charlottesville, Virginia, home of Monticello (Thomas Jefferson's home) and UVA. We'll hang out with you and talk all things Shadowgate (including brainstorming future titles) and play The Quests of Shadowgate with Coleman Charlton (and a game or two of Catan if you wish). We'll visit Monticello and play some wiffle ball home run derby in Dave's backyard before finally bidding adieu with even more swag. We may even invite Aaron as long as he doesn't touch the staff again. (Domestic backers only).

And, yes, you get all this plus previous rewards.

To all our backers - Thank youfor helping make this game happen! We really appreciate your belief in Zojoi and Shadowgate! Please help support the campaign by clicking on the image below to download a Shadowgate banner/icon or three and feel free to post them all over the interwebs (you will be re-directed to the Zojoi site.)

Risks and challenges

Every game that the Zojoi team members have made over the last 27 years comes with challenges. It would be foolish to say that just because we have been in the games business a long time that we have everything and every angle covered. The key to any successful project is anticipating what the risks are and mitigating them. We are approaching the Shadowgate project with the same care that we would any gaming project we work on - whether it's a MMO or a first-person adventure.

To that end, we've been assessing the risks and developing mitigation plans during our pre-production phase. This includes how the command system, UI and inventory/spell book seamlessly work together and how rooms and audio tracks will be integrated via our scripting engine.

Here are the key areas we’ve chosen to concentrate on early in our development to ensure success:

- Terrific art and audio are great but an intuitive UI and solid, balanced game play is paramount to making a great product.
- Pre-production is key. We have documented everything that we are developing to ensure the games' success both creatively and technically.
- Developing for multiple platforms requires a ton of attention and we will continue to focus on each version and refine the gaming and UI experience, ensuring that no one platform suffers.
- Because most games come together during the polishing part at the end of a project, we have scheduled triple the amount of time for polishing the game.
- Testing is often overlooked in game development and brought on too late. We plan to bring QA on board asap.
- Assign an individual to manage the kickstarter campaign. The core team needs to concentrate on making the project that you funded.

While we use best practices to mitigate risks in the development of the game, there are some risks that cannot be foreseen or avoided that may affect the project and/or its launch. We will do everything we can to mitigate those as well and will definitely keep you informed throughout the project!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $30 or more
About $30

NOVICE: An awesome tier featuring the digital, DRM-free, haunting Shadowgate SOUNDTRACK by composer extraordinaire Rich Douglas. You also get the 60 page DIGITAL BOOK "The Art of Shadowgate" illustrated by master painter Chris Cold. Your name will also be added to the Shadowgate website as an official backer! Plus all previous rewards.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $30 or more
About $30

NOVICE (Addition): We've decided to ADD a few more things to this digital tier! If you have already pledged to the Novice tier, you will get these rewards as well! If you want to pledge to the Novice tier, you can pledge to either $30 tier to get all the rewards.

First, we're adding a 2014 digital wallpaper calendar "THE WORLD OF SHADOWGATE" in a boat load of resolutions. This 14 month calendar (going back to November of 2013) will feature the many fantastic locations outside the castle - all illustrated by Chris Cold. (NOTE: We will also provide each illustration without the calendar overlay for convenience.) Second, we are offering you a DIGITAL VERSION of the cloth MAP in many resolutions as well!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $45 or more
About $45

ACOLYTE: NOTE THAT THE SECOND $45 TIER IS NO LONGER VALID. The first reward is a series of exclusive commentary videos. These streaming and/or downloadable videos will walk you thru the game while the Zojoi team shares insights, notes and humorous stories from design to art to audio. It's a must have for players that like to know the inside stories behind the games' development. The second reward is a digital COMIC HINT/WALKTHRU featuring all the rooms within Shadowgate in illustrative form!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $60 or more
About $60

APPRENTICE: Take this EPIC Shadowgate title on the go with your very own digital iOS or ANDROID TABLET version. Plus, your name PERMANENTLY etched digitally in the final game credits! And all previous rewards.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $95 or more
About $95

Early Bird - ADEPT: The game ships in a never-to-be-made-again COLLECTORS BOX created specifically for displaying the game in all its glory. And what's inside? A retro CLOTH MAP of the Shadowgate world, of course! You'll also get a full-sized Shadowgate POSTER that will blow your mind! Plus all previous rewards.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

ADEPT: The game ships in a never-to-be-made-again COLLECTORS BOX created specifically for displaying the game in all its glory. And what's inside? A retro CLOTH MAP of the Shadowgate world, of course! You'll also get a full-sized Shadowgate POSTER that will blow your mind! Plus all previous rewards.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $130 or more
About $130

Early Bird - ENCHANTER: You get the CARD GAME "Quests of Shadowgate", created specifically for the Shadowgate universe by MIDDLE EARTH Collectible Card game designer, Coleman Charlton. We'll also include EXCLUSIVE Jair and Lakmir cards that will NEVER be created again! Plus all previous rewards.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $150 or more
About $150

ENCHANTER: You get the CARD GAME "Quests of Shadowgate", created specifically for the Shadowgate universe by MIDDLE EARTH Collectible Card game designer, Coleman Charlton. We'll also include EXCLUSIVE Jair and Lakmir cards that will NEVER be created again! Plus all previous rewards.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $200 or more
About $200

DRUID: A cool, 60+ page SOFTCOVER BOOK "The Art of Shadowgate", featuring dozens and dozens of room and character illustrations to impress your friends. You also get the OFFICIAL backer T-SHIRT featuring the Shadowgate logo! Plus all previous rewards.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $500 or more
About $500

MAGICIAN: We ship you an exclusive 18" STAFF OF AGES replica made of resin from master craftsman Kenny Hudson. You also get upgraded to the HARDCOVER version of "The Art of Shadowgate." You'll also get a LIMITED EDITION physical SOUNDTRACK from Rich Douglas! Plus all previous rewards.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $2,500 or more
About $2,500

MAGUS: This is it! Be the envy of Shadowgate fans everywhere with a FULL-SCALE 72" STAFF OF AGES made of resin and featuring a beautiful blue calcite sphere (Other-worldly power sold separately). Plus all previous rewards.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $5,000 or more
About $5,000

WIZARD: Become one of the legendary CIRCLE OF TWELVE wizards featured in the game. You get to help name the wizard and create a back-story and skill set for this character. Your creation shall be featured in the library and other locations within the magical keep. Plus all previous rewards.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $7,500 or more
About $7,500

ARCHMAGE: We'll FLY YOU OUT for a weekend with Shadowgate creators Dave Marsh and Karl Roelofs in beautiful Virginia. You'll get to help brainstorm future Shadowgate titles as well as play QUESTS OF SHADOWGATE with Coleman Charlton. We'll visit Jefferson's Monticello, play board games and enjoy hours of wiffle ball home-run derby in Dave's backyard. You get all this plus previous rewards. (Domestic backers only).